Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Upstrz , known for his incredible songwriting and production, is now center-stage with his latest project, “Meet Me UPSTRZ.” The multi-hyphenate who has worked several of the most known names in today’s R&B, including Chris Brown, Eric Bellinger and Vedo, spoke with Urban Magazine about his career, songwriting, and his new EP.
They have nominated you for another Grammy for your work with Chris Brown. How does it feel to be recognized again for the highest honor in music?
It’s an amazing feeling to be nominated for my second Grammy, especially for my contribution to Chris Brown’s song “Hmhmm” on Breezy. Collaborating with such a talented artist and being recognized by my peers is a humbling experience. Music is my passion, and this nomination is a reminder that hard work pays off. I’m excited to see where God’s plan takes me next.
Songwriting is an elite art. What would you say has been the key to establishing yourself within the entertainment industry?
There are many keys, but I feel the most important one believing in yourself is key. Especially when it comes to songwriting because you’re putting your work out there for others to hear. It’s a vulnerable art that requires confidence to express your thoughts and feelings. But anything is possible with a positive mindset and a willingness to learn and grow.
Let’s talk about your approach to crafting a song. How do you prepare to create? What do you need?
Everyone’s creative process is different, and sometimes the best ideas come spontaneously. When crafting a song, my approach is simple. All I need is an idea and Pro Tools. I start with an instrumental that fits the mood, experiment with different sounds and arrangements. Once I have the basic structure in place, I can focus on refining the lyrics, melody, and arrangement until I’m “happy.” Also, being able to vocal produce and engineer myself is a huge advantage, as it allows me to fine-tune to get the sound I’m looking for.
How do you decide whether to team up with someone on a project?
When it comes to collaborating, my decision usually comes down to the chemistry between myself and the other person, whether it’s a producer or another artist/songwriter. If we mesh well and vibe in the studio, 10 times out of 10, we collaborate. If the creative energy is there, then I’m all for collaborating.
Many people confuse beat-making with producing the entire song. Can you explain the difference?
Beat-making is a subset of music production, but it is not the same as producing an entire song. Beat-making involves creating the instrumental track, which typically includes drums, bass line, melody, and other elements. The goal of beat-making is to create a cohesive and catchy instrumental track that serves as the foundation for the song.
On the other hand, producing a song involves not only creating the instrumental track but also working with the artist to develop the song’s structure, arranging the different sections of the song, recording vocals and other instruments, and mixing and mastering the final track.
In other words, beat-making is a critical aspect of music production, but producing a song involves a lot more than just creating the beat. It involves managing the entire creative process, ensuring that all elements of the song work together to create a cohesive and polished final product.
What was the motivation for your solo project, “Meet Me UPSTRZ”?
The motivation for my solo project, “Meet Me UPSTRZ”, was to express myself as an artist and share my creative vision with the world. As a songwriter, I had been writing music for other artists for years, but I felt like there was more that I wanted to say and more that I wanted to explore musically. With this project, I was able to fully immerse myself in the creative process and make music that was authentic to me and my experiences. Ultimately, I wanted to connect with listeners who share my passion for music and inspire them to embrace their own creativity and individuality.
Tell us your favorite song on the album and why.
Choosing a favorite song from the “Meet Me UPSTRZ” EP is tough because I poured my heart and soul into every track. However, if I had to choose, I would say “Right or Wrong” is one of my favorites. This song was particularly challenging to write because it’s deeply personal and vulnerable, but I wanted to share my story with my listeners who have gone through similar struggles. The song is structured like a conversation, allowing the listener to feel like they are a part of the experience. Overall, “Right or Wrong” is a special song to me because it represents my journey as an artist and as a person.
As someone who sings, writes, and produces, is it difficult letting someone else contribute to your art?
I don’t find it difficult to let someone else contribute because their input can add more value to the final product and make it the best it can be. Of course, it’s important to find the right balance between incorporating others’ ideas and maintaining creative control over the project. But if the intention is to enhance the overall quality of the work and bring new perspectives to the table, I’m open to collaborating and seeing where it takes us. Ultimately, the goal is to create the best possible art, and sometimes that requires letting go of ego and being open to different ideas and approaches.
Do you have any advice for aspiring creators looking to follow your example?
For aspiring creators, my advice is to never give up on what you love and never let the pressures of the industry compromise your authenticity. Remember to appreciate the journey and the blessings that come with it. Creating art is a gift, and it’s important to stay grateful and humble along the way.
Be’n Original
